Abstract: An expandable baton includes a plurality of sections adapted to be stowed in a nested, collapsed position. The sections may be opened by swinging the baton in a whipping action into a locked extended position. Each of these sections may be made of similar or dissimilar materials, with the tip section having at least a portion being made of a relatively high mass material to preserve strike force when used in a whipping motion and at least one other section being made of a lightweight material to reduce weight of the overall baton. The lightweight section includes lock zones of increased thickness for enhancing the strength and durability of the lightweight section and preserving the overall strength and durability of the assembled baton. The increased material in the lock zones permits the lock zones to be of a greater functional length than prior art single thickness baton sections.

Abstract: A fluid entry port is contained in the nozzle body of an aerosol canister for permitting continuous communication of the nozzle with the fluid charge regardless of orientation of the canister. The fluid entry port is used in combination with a typical dip tube configuration for drawing the fluid charge from the bottom of the container. The nozzle body and canister are configured to permit self-centering in the assembly process.

Abstract: An improved disposable restraining device having double loops formed of two separate, flexible straps joined together by an interlocking cover is extremely strong, tamper resistant and more easily molded than single strap devices. The device is designed to be folded into a compact storage position which can be easily carried by law enforcement personnel yet is instantly ready for use. The cover provides a shield for the locking mechanism and additional strength in the area between the two loops. The straps include a core material designed to resist friction cutting and the cover may be constructed of a harder material than the straps for maximum strength.

Abstract: These and other advantages are achieved through the flanged, flat spring of the present invention. The spring comprises a single, C-shaped leaf element formed of a substantially flat base having an aperture therein for receipt of a detent button, a pair of flat spring legs radiating outwardly from the base in a direction generally opposite the direction of the projecting detent button, a pair of upturned feet attached to the legs, and a flange extending downward from each side of the base. The flanges increases the effective thickness of the spring, which results in a decreased bending stress and hence, a longer fatigue life. Therefore, the flanges increases the effective thickness of the spring without increasing the actual material thickness of the spring. In addition, the upturned ends of the legs provide a surface which can be more easily grasped to manipulate the spring within a baton tube.

Abstract: A baton carrier for expandable batons is constructed for receiving and stowing expandable batons when in either the retracted or expanded position. The baton is received in a cylindrical holder having a bottom constructed such that a retracted baton cannot pass through the bottom when retracted, but the inner shafts of the baton can pass through the bottom when extended. A friction shoe positively secures the baton in the holder by pushing against the baton. A cinch bar is used to selectively lock the friction shoe. A belt attachment assembly secures the holder to the belt of the user.

Abstract: A device for concealing, storing and permitting ready access to and use of a handcuff key which is not readily identifiable as a key holder but is easily retrieved and utilized by law enforcement personnel. The handcuff key is camouflaged and concealed in a variety of devices, such as a ball point pen enclosure, a pocket knife holder and a rectangular case.

Abstract: An improved disposable restraining device having double loops formed of two separate, flexible straps joined together by an interlocking cover is extremely strong, tamper resistant and more easily molded than single strap devices. The device is designed to be folded into a compact storage position which can be easily carried by law enforcement personnel yet is instantly ready for use. The cover provides a shield for the locking mechanism and additional strength in the area between the two loops. The straps include a core material designed to resist friction cutting and the cover may be constructed of a harder material than the straps for maximum strength.

Abstract: A concealable, expandable baton having the appearance of a belt key ring is adapted to be concealed and carried in the waistband of undercover law enforcement personnel for use as an intermediate force weapon. The concealable baton includes a smooth handle and a detachable mechanism which may include a key ring and keys, and hangs over the waistband to prevent the concealed baton from falling into the clothing. The key ring and keys providing a readily accessible means for grasping and quickly drawing the baton.

Abstract: An expandable baton includes a plurality of sections adapted to be stowed in a nested, collapsed position. The sections may be opened by swinging the baton in a whipping action into a locked extended position. Each of these sections may be made of similar or dissimilar materials, with the tip section having at least a portion being made of a relatively high mass material to preserve strike force when used in a whipping motion and at least one other section being made of a lightweight material to reduce weight of the overall baton. The lightweight section includes lock zones of increased thickness for enhancing the strength and durability of the lightweight section and preserving the overall strength and durability of the assembled baton. The increased material in the lock zones permits the lock zones to be of a greater functional length than prior art single thickness baton sections.

Abstract: A quick-connect, universal connecting system for rapidly mounting accessories on law enforcement batons for providing ready access to full capacity equipment while not increasing the amount of equipment to be carried by law enforcement personnel. The connecting system includes an accessory connector having two components adapted to be attached separately to the baton or accessory and secured together by a pin and socket connection. The pin and socket connection defines a bayonet-type locking mechanism for rapid connection and disconnection with less than one turn thereby allowing an officer to quickly assemble the accessory and baton as an approach is made. The locking mechanism includes a spiral shaped channel which continues to tighten the connection between the pin and the socket as it wears.

Abstract: A cover for an expandable baton handle is molded onto the handle to provide an integral, unitary handle grip which is permanently bonded to the handle section of the baton. This permits secure bonding and formed contours to conform to the precise shape of the handle, eliminating collars and weak bonding areas, particularly in tapered sections such as used with wedge lock designs.

Abstract: A method of training in the use of law enforcement batons and a mock training baton for use in training exercises. The mock training baton includes a flexible rod covered by a cushioning material which is secured to the rod by a removable cover and may include a protective resilient disk at the ends of the rod and a means for securing the baton to the belt of trainee. The diameter, configuration and material of the handle of the mock training baton is identical to the handle of the actual standard issue baton. The mock baton may include a resilient ring for securing the cover to the baton and a fixed collar for anchoring the resilient disk in place. Alternatively, the mock baton may include a unique assembly for securing the handle to the rod.

Abstract: A baton carrier for expandable batons is constructed for receiving and stowing expandable batons when in either the retracted or expanded position. The baton is received in a cylindrical holder having a bottom constructed such that a retracted baton cannot pass through the bottom when retracted, but the inner shafts of the baton can pass through the bottom when extended. A friction shoe positively secures the baton in the holder by pushing against the baton. A cinch bar is used to selectively lock the friction shoe. A belt attachment assembly secures the holder to the belt of the user.

Abstract: A detent mechanism for expandable batons of the type having a handle and at least one telescoping section. The detent mechanism including an elongated, substantially rectangular-shaped, locking button designed to provide a wide, flat surface to wide, flat surface contact for preventing deformation of the locking button and/or the mating tube of the telescoping baton section during the "recoil" and "bounce back" caused by the rapid extension of the baton to its expanded position. The locking button has radiused top edges and a top surface radiused to match the radius of the inner wall of the mating tube. The detent mechanism also includes a radiused inner recess for receiving the locking button and holding the baton in the retracted position and a biasing means in communication with the button for normally urging the button into the extended, projecting position.

Abstract: A device for concealing, storing and permitting ready access to and use of a handcuff key which is not readily identifiable as a key holder but is easily retrieved and utilized by law enforcement personnel. The handcuff key is camouflaged and concealed in a variety of devices, such as a ball point pen enclosure, a pocket knife holder and a rectangular case.

Abstract: A detachable key ring includes a durable mounting block with a typical key ring fastened to one end and a reliably securable latching device at the opposite end which is movable between open and closed positions and includes a biasing element for holding the latching device in the closed position. The detachable key ring includes an integral member for selectively maintaining the latching device in the open position and requires a two step process to open the latch. Also, the latch mechanism is unidirectional in function. The detachable key ring may be connected to an interlocking block having a second key ring fastened at one end to form a double-ended detachable key ring.

Abstract: A plurality of accessories which may be assembled in a kit in a compact carrying case for modifying an expandable baton for multiple uses. The kit includes two expandable batons, a coupler, interchangeable tips and a carrying case. Each expandable baton includes a telescoping end with a removable tip and a handle with a threaded end covered by an endcap. The removable tip is specifically designed to include a circumferential resilient member which prevents the tip from accidently disengaging from the baton while being easily interchangeable. The coupler is readily secured to the threaded end of each baton to form a riot control device which is expanded by a rapid single twisting motion. The baton may also be modified for use as a search tool by replacing the interchangeable tip of the baton with any of a plurality of interchangeable tips. The interchangeable tips may also be used with a shorter baton, such as a keyring baton.